A wrap-resist-dyeing technique practised in the state of Rajasthan, leheriya is known by its distinct patterns of stripes, chevrons and diagonals. It is traditionally found on the safas (turban cloths) worn by Rajasthani men and the odhanis worn by the women, as well as on sarees. Leheriya derives its name from the Sanskrit word lahara, meaning “wave,” and refers to the inspirations behind the designs: the monsoon season — a time of celebration in the state — as well as the patterns created by the wind on the desert sand. 

Rajasthan, along with its neighbouring state of Gujarat, has a long-established tradition of resist-dyed textiles, particularly the technique of bandhani. Precise details about the historical origin of the leheriya technique are not known but visual evidence — in the form of miniature paintings from the seventeenth century — depicts Rajasthani noblemen wearing turbans with the leheriya patterns. The leheriya technique in fine cotton has historically also been used to make garments such as ghagras, kurtas, kanchali and angarkhi. The cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur are the two main centres of leheriya textiles, where expert dyers who create turbans are still supported by the erstwhile royal families. In the past, each royal house had its own signature leheriya hues and patterns. 

Unlike bandhani, where small sections of the textile are reserved and dyed, the wrap-resist technique of leheriya involves rolling up the entire material and tying it at intervals according to a pattern. The untied segments of the fabric receive the dyes, while the resist segments emerge undyed. Because the dye needs to penetrate through layers of tightly rolled fabric, the technique demands the use of muslin or fine silks as its base material. The fabric is washed to remove any impurities. After that it is folded diagonally from one end to the opposite selvedge and rolled, or folded like a fan and then rolled. The rolled, wet fabric is wound around a wooden stand, and then tied tightly with untwisted yarn at regular intervals to produce the desired pattern. The work of tying the fabric is usually done by women, who are called bandhere. The tied fabric is soaked in water and, following this, is dyed.